These instructions will serve as a guideline for the installation of Modwalls mesh-backed Brio glass tile. We advise you to hire a licensed professional tile installer to install this product.
Inspection:
It is important that you inspect your entire order to ensure that it is acceptable before installation. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your order please contact us WITHIN THREE DAYS of delivery at 877-439-9734 or service@modwalls.com.
Installation Constitutes Acceptance.
Substrate:
modwalls® mesh-backed Brio® glass tile is suitable for both interior and exterior wall and floor applications in both wet and dry areas.
Preparing the existing surface is the most critical task of any tile installation. The tile must be placed on a rigid, level, plumb and structurally sound surface to avoid problems. The surface should be clean, dry and free of contaminants that could prevent a good bond.
The recommended substrate is a cement backer board such as HardieBacker. Gypsum board may also be acceptable for interior dry installations only.
Adhesive:
Per ANSI 118.4 compliance, we recommend using a white, thin-set mortar modified with polymer or latex.
Tools:
The necessary tools for tiling are: Rubber grout float, large bucket, 3/16” V notch trowel, 1/16” tile spacers, hammer, small block of wood, and tile nippers.
Process:
Mix the powdered thin-set mortar with latex additive in bucket. Stir and add more liquid until it reaches the consistency of peanut butter.
Per instructions on thin-set package, allow mixture to slake for 10 minutes.
Apply to wall evenly with the v-notched trowel. Work in sections of 2 square feet at a time. .
Apply tile to wall starting in the middle of installation area and working outward. Marking the wall with level and plumb lines will help align sheets. The tile’s mesh-backing should be pressed into the thin-set.
Apply additional sheets by lining up grout joints from one sheet to another. Use a wooden beating block and a hammer and tap lightly to unify sheets. Pay particular attention to the joints between the sheets to eliminate sheet pattern.
If need be, make any necessary adjustments to the tile before thin-set dries.
Allow thin-set to cure a minimum of 24 hours before grouting. Brio® tile can be grouted with either sanded or non-sanded grout. Spread the grout using a rubber grout float and work diagonally across the tiles, making sure that all the grout joints have been filled.
Let grout dry 10-20 minutes. Using a slightly damp sponge, wipe diagonally across the tile to remove the grout film from the surface of the tile.
Wipe tile with a lint-free cloth as the final step, buffing away all residual grout from the surface of the tile
Beware of Grout Haze:
Grout haze is a very thin layer of grout which has been allowed to dry on the surface of the tile. During installation the grout must be completely wiped from the tile surface and then the tops of the tiles buffed with a soft cloth to remove any residual grout film. Once the grout dries overnight there is little that can be done to remove grout haze, aside from washing the tile with one of the commercial acid grout haze removers.
Cutting/Drilling modwalls® Brio Tile:
- modwalls® Brio glass tile blends can be cut using tile nippers.
- Drilling Brio tile is not recommended due to the small size of the tile. Usually individual tiles can either be removed or a corner nipped instead of drilling.
Cleaning modwalls® Brio Tile:
- A damp sponge is typically sufficient to keep this tile clean.
- Non abrasive glass cleaners can also be used effectively.